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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Revelation 1:1 This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/revelation/1-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/66_Rev_01_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Revelation 1:1 - Prologue" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. 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He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, <a href="/nlt/revelation/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, <a href="/esv/revelation/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, <a href="/bsb/revelation/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, <a href="/blb/revelation/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants what things it behooves to take place in quickness. And He signified it through having sent His angel to His servant, John, <a href="/kjv/revelation/1.htm">King James Bible</a> The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: <a href="/nkjv/revelation/1.htm">New King James Version</a> The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, <a href="/nasb_/revelation/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, <a href="/nasb/revelation/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, <a href="/nasb77/revelation/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must shortly take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, <a href="/lsb/revelation/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His slaves the things which must soon happen; and He indicated this by sending it through His angel to His slave John, <a href="/amp/revelation/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> This is the revelation of Jesus Christ [His unveiling of the divine mysteries], which God [the Father] gave to Him to show to His bond-servants (believers) the things which must soon take place [in their entirety]; and He sent and communicated it by His angel (divine messenger) to His bond-servant John, <a href="/csb/revelation/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, <a href="/hcsb/revelation/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave Him to show His slaves what must quickly take place. He sent it and signified it through His angel to His slave John, <a href="/asv/revelation/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John; <a href="/cev/revelation/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> This is what God showed to Jesus Christ, so that he could tell his servants what must happen soon. Christ then sent his angel with the message to his servant John. <a href="/erv/revelation/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to shew unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John; <a href="/gwt/revelation/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> This is the revelation of Jesus Christ. God gave it to him to show his servants the things that must happen soon. He sent this revelation through his angel to his servant John. <a href="/gnt/revelation/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> This book is the record of the events that Jesus Christ revealed. God gave him this revelation in order to show to his servants what must happen very soon. Christ made these things known to his servant John by sending his angel to him, <a href="/isv/revelation/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> This is the revelation of Jesus the Messiah, which God gave him to show his servants the things that must happen soon. He made it known by sending his messenger to his servant John, <a href="/msb/revelation/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, <a href="/net/revelation/1.htm">NET Bible</a> The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must happen very soon. He made it clear by sending his angel to his servant John, <a href="/nheb/revelation/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel to his servant, John, <a href="/wbt/revelation/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show to his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel to his servant John: <a href="/wey/revelation/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The revelation given by Jesus Christ, which God granted Him, that He might make known to His servants certain events which must shortly come to pass: and He sent His angel and communicated it to His servant John. <a href="/web/revelation/1.htm">World English Bible</a> This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel to his servant, John, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> A revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave to Him to show to His servants what things must quickly come to pass; and He signified [it], having sent through His messenger to His servant John, <a href="/blb/revelation/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants what things it behooves to take place in quickness. And He signified it through having sent His angel to His servant, John, <a href="/ylt/revelation/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> A revelation of Jesus Christ, that God gave to him, to shew to his servants what things it behoveth to come to pass quickly; and he did signify it, having sent through his messenger to his servant John, <a href="/slt/revelation/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show to his servants what things must be with speed; and he signified having sent by his angel to his servant John:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to make known to his servants the things which must shortly come to pass: and signified, sending by his angel to his servant John, <a href="/cpdv/revelation/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, in order to make known to his servants the things that must soon occur, and which he signified by sending his Angel to his servant John; <a href="/nabre/revelation/1.htm">New American Bible</a> The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show his servants what must happen soon. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place; he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> THE Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show unto his servants those things which must soon come to pass, he sent and signified it by his angel to his servant John: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> The Revelation of Yeshua The Messiah, which God gave to him, to show his Servants what had been given to soon occur, and he symbolized it when he sent by his Angel to his Servant Yohannan,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> THE Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, that he might show to his servants the things that must shortly come to pass; and he sent it by his angel, and made it known to his servant John, <a href="/godbey/revelation/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show unto his servants the thing which it behooves speedily to come to pass; and he signified having sent by his angel to his servant John; <a href="/haweis/revelation/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> THE revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to shew to his servants the things which must shortly come to pass; and sending by his angel, he shewed them to his servant John: <a href="/mace/revelation/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> The REVELATION of Jesus Christ, which God gave him, to shew to his servants things which must shortly come to pass; this he signified by his angel whom he dispatch'd to his servant John: <a href="/wey/revelation/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The revelation given by Jesus Christ, which God granted Him, that He might make known to His servants certain events which must shortly come to pass: and He sent His angel and communicated it to His servant John. <a href="/worrell/revelation/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him, to show to His servants the things which must shortly come to pass; and, having sent, He signified them through His angel to His servant John; <a href="/worsley/revelation/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <bld>The</bld> Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to shew to his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by his angel to his servant John, <a href="/parallel/revelation/1-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJfD7KQcx0I?start=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/revelation/1.htm">Prologue</a> 1<a href="/greek/602.htm" title="602: Apokalypsis (N-NFS) -- An unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation. From apokalupto; disclosure.">This is the revelation</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">of Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēn (RelPro-AFS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">which</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: edōken (V-AIA-3S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">gave</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him</a> <a href="/greek/1166.htm" title="1166: deixai (V-ANA) -- A prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show.">to show</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/1401.htm" title="1401: doulois (N-DMP) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">servants</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ha (RelPro-ANP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">what</a> <a href="/greek/1163.htm" title="1163: dei (V-PIA-3S) -- Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.">must</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/5034.htm" title="5034: tachei (N-DNS) -- Quickness, speed; hastily, immediately. From the same as tachus; a brief space, i.e. in haste.">soon</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genesthai (V-ANM) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">come to pass.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4591.htm" title="4591: esēmanen (V-AIA-3S) -- To signify, indicate, give a sign, make known. From sema; to indicate.">He made it known</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">by</a> <a href="/greek/649.htm" title="649: aposteilas (V-APA-NMS) -- From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.">sending</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/32.htm" title="32: angelou (N-GMS) -- From aggello; a messenger; especially an angel; by implication, a pastor.">angel</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/1401.htm" title="1401: doulō (N-DMS) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">servant</a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannē (N-DMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John,</a> 2who testifies to everything he saw. This is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/daniel/2-28.htm">Daniel 2:28</a> But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these: <a href="/daniel/12-4.htm">Daniel 12:4</a> But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.” <a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7</a> Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. <a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a> However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. <a href="/matthew/24-36.htm">Matthew 24:36</a> No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. <a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm">1 Peter 1:20</a> He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake. <a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm">2 Peter 1:19-21</a> We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. / Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. / For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-10.htm">1 Corinthians 2:10</a> But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. <a href="/john/12-49.htm">John 12:49-50</a> I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. / And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.” <a href="/john/5-20.htm">John 5:20</a> The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. And to your amazement, He will show Him even greater works than these. <a href="/hebrews/1-1.htm">Hebrews 1:1-2</a> On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. / But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. <a href="/matthew/11-27.htm">Matthew 11:27</a> All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. <a href="/john/17-8.htm">John 17:8</a> For I have given them the words You gave Me, and they have received them. They knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me. <a href="/acts/1-7.htm">Acts 1:7</a> Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. <a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a> I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show to his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel to his servant John:Revelation.<a href="/daniel/2-28.htm">Daniel 2:28,29</a> But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; … <a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7</a> Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.<a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Romans 16:25</a> Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,which God.<a href="/john/3-32.htm">John 3:32</a> And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.<a href="/john/8-26.htm">John 8:26</a> I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.<a href="/john/12-49.htm">John 12:49</a> For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.to shew.<a href="/revelation/22-6.htm">Revelation 22:6</a> And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.<a href="/psalms/25-14.htm">Psalm 25:14</a> The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.<a href="/john/15-15.htm">John 15:15</a> Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.which must.<a href="/revelation/1-3.htm">Revelation 1:3,19</a> Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand… <a href="/revelation/4-1.htm">Revelation 4:1</a> After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.<a href="/revelation/22-10.htm">Revelation 22:10</a> And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.and he.<a href="/revelation/22-6.htm">Revelation 22:6,16</a> And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done… <a href="/daniel/8-16.htm">Daniel 8:16</a> And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.<a href="/daniel/9-21.htm">Daniel 9:21,23</a> Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/11-28.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/jude/1-1.htm">Bond-Servant</a> <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Bond-Servants</a> <a href="/jude/1-25.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/philippians/4-15.htm">Communicated</a> <a href="/jude/1-2.htm">Granted</a> <a href="/jude/1-25.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/galatians/2-9.htm">John</a> <a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">Revelation</a> <a href="/2_john/1-5.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/jude/1-1.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/3_john/1-6.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_john/1-2.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/3_john/1-14.htm">Shortly</a> <a href="/jude/1-23.htm">Show</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-14.htm">Signified</a> <a href="/3_john/1-14.htm">Soon</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/2-1.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/revelation/15-3.htm">Bond-Servant</a> <a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Bond-Servants</a> <a href="/revelation/1-2.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/luke/2-26.htm">Communicated</a> <a href="/revelation/1-4.htm">Granted</a> <a href="/revelation/1-2.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/revelation/1-2.htm">John</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-7.htm">Revelation</a> <a href="/revelation/11-10.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/revelation/6-15.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/revelation/4-1.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/revelation/22-6.htm">Shortly</a> <a href="/revelation/4-1.htm">Show</a> <a href="/acts/11-28.htm">Signified</a> <a href="/revelation/1-19.htm">Soon</a><div class="vheading2">Revelation 1</div>1. <a href="/revelation/1-1.htm">The preface.</a> 4. <a href="/revelation/1-4.htm">John's salutation to the seven churches of Asia.</a> 7. <a href="/revelation/1-7.htm">The coming of Christ.</a> 8. <a href="/revelation/1-8.htm">His glorious power and majesty.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/revelation/1.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>The revelation of Jesus Christ The word "revelation" comes from the Greek word "apokalypsis," meaning an unveiling or disclosure. This is not merely a revelation about Jesus Christ but a revelation from Him, emphasizing His divine authority and the unveiling of divine mysteries. In the context of the early church, this revelation was crucial for providing hope and assurance amidst persecution. It underscores the centrality of Christ in God's redemptive plan, affirming His role as the ultimate revealer of God's will.which God gave Him This phrase highlights the divine origin of the revelation. It was given by God the Father to Jesus Christ, indicating a divine hierarchy and the unity within the Trinity. This reflects the biblical theme of God as the source of all wisdom and knowledge, and it emphasizes the trustworthiness and authority of the message. Historically, this underscores the early Christian belief in the divine inspiration of Scripture, as the message is not of human origin but divinely ordained.to show His servants The term "servants" (Greek: "doulos") refers to those who are devoted followers of Christ, emphasizing a relationship of service and obedience. This term was often used by early Christians to describe their commitment to Christ, reflecting a life dedicated to His teachings and mission. The revelation is intended for those who are in a covenant relationship with God, highlighting the personal and communal aspect of receiving divine truth.what must soon come to pass The phrase "must soon come to pass" indicates the imminence and certainty of the events described. The Greek word "tachos" suggests speed or quickness, which has been interpreted in various ways, including the idea that the events will unfold rapidly once they begin. This urgency served to encourage the early Christians to remain faithful and vigilant, as they anticipated the fulfillment of God's promises. It also reflects the prophetic nature of the book, aligning with the biblical tradition of prophecy as a call to readiness and faithfulness.He made it known The Greek term "semaino" means to signify or communicate through signs. This suggests that the revelation is conveyed through symbolic language and imagery, which is a hallmark of apocalyptic literature. The use of signs and symbols would have been familiar to the original audience, providing a rich tapestry of meaning that required spiritual discernment. This method of communication underscores the depth and complexity of divine revelation, inviting believers to seek understanding through prayer and study.by sending His angel Angels are often depicted in Scripture as messengers of God, serving as intermediaries between the divine and human realms. The involvement of an angel in delivering the revelation underscores its heavenly origin and the importance of the message. In the biblical narrative, angels are seen as powerful beings who execute God's will, providing assurance to the recipients of the message that it is both authoritative and trustworthy.to His servant John John, traditionally understood to be the Apostle John, is identified as the recipient of the revelation. His role as a servant (Greek: "doulos") emphasizes his humility and dedication to Christ. As a leader in the early church, John's reception of the revelation would have carried significant weight, providing guidance and encouragement to believers facing trials. His personal relationship with Jesus, as one of His closest disciples, adds a layer of intimacy and authenticity to the message, reinforcing its divine origin and purpose.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/revelation/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) The Revelation of Jesus Christ.--The book is a revelation of the things which are and the things which shall be. "John is the writer, but Jesus Christ is the author," says Grotius; and consistently with this the action of Christ is seen throughout. It is Christ who bids John write to the seven churches; it is Christ who opens the seven seals (<a href="/revelation/6-1.htm" title="And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.">Revelation 6:1</a>), who reveals the sufferings of the Church (<a href="/revelation/6-9.htm" title="And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:">Revelation 6:9</a>), who offers the prayers of the saints (<a href="/revelation/8-3.htm" title="And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.">Revelation 8:3</a>), and delivers the little book to John (<a href="/context/revelation/10-1.htm" title="And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was on his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:">Revelation 10:1-11</a>). Thus it is seen that though the rise and fall of earth's history is included in the revelation, it is a revelation also of a living person; it is not the dull, dead onward flow of circumstances, but the lives of men and nations seen in the light of Him who is the light of every man and the life of all history; and thus we learn that "only a living person can be the Alpha and Omega, the starting-point of creation and its final rest." The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of this prophecy, as of all others. The Father gives this to the Son whom He loves, and shows Him all things that Himself doeth.Shortly.--On this word much controversy has turned. Its force, "speedily," affords a groundwork, and, it must be admitted, a plausible one, to the praeterist school of interpreters, who hold that the whole range of Apocalyptic predictions was fulfilled within a comparatively short time after the Apostle wrote. The truth, however, seems to be that the words of God are of perpetual fulfilment: they are not only to be fulfilled; they have not only been fulfilled; but they have been and they are being fulfilled; and they yet will be fulfilled; and the principles which are enunciated by the Prophet, though "shortly" fulfilled, are not exhausted in the immediate fulfilment, but carry still lessons for the succeeding generations of mankind.John--i.e., the Apostle and Evangelist. The arguments in support of this identification are admitted even by the most captious critics to be conclusive. "The Apocalypse, if any book can be traced to him, must be ascribed to the Apostle John" (Supernatural Religion). (See Excursus A.) To many it will seem natural that John, the beloved disciple, should be the recipient of this revelation. Those who have been nearest to God learn most of His will. Such are friends, not servants, for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth; and thus, as in the Old Testament to Abraham, the friend of God, and to Daniel, a man greatly beloved, so in the New Testament to the disciple who leaned on Jesus' bosom, are shown the things which God was about to do. "Mysteries are revealed unto the meek. The pure in heart shall see God. A pure heart penetrateth heaven and hell" (Thomas a-Kempis)."More bounteous aspects on me beam, . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - The Revelation of Jesus Christ. This phrase occurs elsewhere in the New Testament only in <a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">1 Peter 1:7, 13</a> (comp. <a href="/1_peter/4-13.htm">1 Peter 4:13</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/1-7.htm">1 Corinthians 1:7</a>; <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:7</a>; <a href="/galatians/1-12.htm">Galatians 1:12</a>). It means the revelation which Jesus Christ makes, not that which reveals him. John is the writer, Jesus Christ the Author, of the book. Revelation (απόκαλυψις) is a word reserved for the gospel; no Old Testament prophecy is called a revelation (contrast <a href="/1_samuel/20-30.htm">1 Samuel 20:30</a>). It means the unveiling of Divine mysteries (<a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3</a>), and from this it easily slips into meaning the mystery unveiled. Christ is both the Mystery and the Revealer of it. He comes to reveal himself, and in himself the Father, whose Image he is. Thus in its opening words the book takes us beyond itself. What is revealed is not secrets about the future, but a Person. And the Revealer is not man, but God; not John, but the Divine Son, commissioned by the Father. For even the unincarnate Word receives from the Father that which he reveals. Which God gave unto him. This is remarkably in harmony with the Christology of the Fourth Gospel (<a href="/john/5-20.htm">John 5:20</a>; <a href="/john/7-16.htm">John 7:16</a>; <a href="/john/12-49.htm">John 12:49</a>; <a href="/john/14-10.htm">John 14:10</a>; <a href="/john/17-7.htm">John 17:7, 8</a>; comp. <a href="/mark/13-32.htm">Mark 13:32</a>; <a href="/acts/1-7.htm">Acts 1:7</a>). The simple infinitive to express a purpose after "give" is common to Gospel and Apocalypse (<a href="/revelation/3-21.htm">Revelation 3:21</a>; <a href="/revelation/7-2.htm">Revelation 7:2</a>; <a href="/revelation/13-14.htm">Revelation 13:14</a>; <a href="/john/4-7.htm">John 4:7, 10</a>; <a href="/john/6-52.htm">John 6:52</a>). His servants. All Christians, not exclusively seers like St. John. "Even the things which" (Revised Version) makes "things which" in apposition with "the Revelation," which is probably right. Must (δεῖ); because God has so decreed. This Divine "must" is frequent in the Gospel (<a href="/john/3-14.htm">John 3:14, 30</a>; <a href="/john/9-4.htm">John 9:4</a>; <a href="/john/10-16.htm">John 10:16</a>; <a href="/john/12-34.htm">John 12:34</a>; <a href="/john/20-9.htm">John 20:9</a>). Shortly. The meaning of ἐν τάχει is much disputed. But, like "firstborn" in the question about the brethren of the Lord, "shortly" ought not to be pressed in determining the scope of the Apocalypse. Calling Jesus the firstborn Son of Mary tells us nothing as to her having other children. Saying that the Apocalypse shows things which must shortly come to pass tells us nothing as to its referring to events near St. John's own day. Probably it refers to them and to much else in the Christian dispensation. In the language of the seer, past, present, and future are interwoven together as seen by God, and more truth is contained than the seer himself knows. "The whole book ought to be received as a single word uttered in a single moment" (Bengel). It does not follow, because St. John had events near to his own day in his mind, that his words are limited to those events for us (comp. <a href="/luke/18-7.htm">Luke 18:7, 8</a>; <a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">Matthew 24:29</a>:<a href="/2_peter/3-4.htm">2 Peter 3:4, 8</a>; <a href="/habakkuk/2-3.htm">Habakkuk 2:3</a>; see Westcott, 'Historic Faith,' pp. 74, 75, and note on 1 John 2:18 in the 'Cambridge Bible for Schools'). Signified. Jesus Christ signified, i.e. made known by symbol and figure, the things which must come to pass. "Signify" (σημαίνειν) is characteristic of St. John, to whom wonders are "signs" (σημεῖα) of Divine truths. "This he said, signifying [by means of an allegory] by what manner of death he should die" (<a href="/john/12-33.htm">John 12:33</a>; comp. 18:32; 21:19). By his angel; literally, by means of his angel (διὰ τοῦ ἀγγέλου). "Angel" here probably has its, common meaning of a spiritual messenger from the unseen world; but it is the fact of his being Christ's messenger, rather than his heavenly character, that is specially indicated. Whether one and the same angel is employed throughout the Revelation is not clear. He does not come into the foreground of the narrative until <a href="/revelation/17-1.htm">Revelation 17:1, 7, 15</a> (comp. <a href="/revelation/19-9.htm">Revelation 19:9</a>; <a href="/revelation/21-9.htm">Revelation 21:9</a>; <a href="/revelation/22-1.htm">Revelation 22:1, 6, 9</a>). The Revelation is begun (vers. 17-20) and ended (<a href="/revelation/22-16.htm">Revelation 22:16</a>) by Christ himself; but the main portion is conducted "by means of his angel." Thus St. Paul says of the Law that it was "administered by means of angels in the hand of a mediator," i.e. Moses (<a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19</a>). In this case the mediator is John, a "servant" specially selected for this work (<a href="/isaiah/49-5.htm">Isaiah 49:5</a>; <a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7</a>). Thus we have four gradations - the primary Agent, the Father; the secondary Agent, Jesus Christ; the instrument, his angel; the recipient, John. <a href="/commentaries/revelation/1-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[ This is the ] revelation Ἀποκάλυψις (Apokalypsis) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_602.htm">Strong's 602: </a> An unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation. From apokalupto; disclosure. of Jesus Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. Christ, Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. which ἣν (hēn) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. God Θεός (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. gave ἔδωκεν (edōken) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. Him αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. to show δεῖξαι (deixai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1166.htm">Strong's 1166: </a> A prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. servants δούλοις (doulois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1401.htm">Strong's 1401: </a> (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave. what ἃ (ha) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. must δεῖ (dei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1163.htm">Strong's 1163: </a> Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary. soon τάχει (tachei) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5034.htm">Strong's 5034: </a> Quickness, speed; hastily, immediately. From the same as tachus; a brief space, i.e. in haste. come to pass. γενέσθαι (genesthai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. He made it known ἐσήμανεν (esēmanen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4591.htm">Strong's 4591: </a> To signify, indicate, give a sign, make known. From sema; to indicate. by διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. sending ἀποστείλας (aposteilas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_649.htm">Strong's 649: </a> From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. angel ἀγγέλου (angelou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_32.htm">Strong's 32: </a> From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor. to τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. servant δούλῳ (doulō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1401.htm">Strong's 1401: </a> (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave. John, Ἰωάννῃ (Iōannē) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/1-1.htm">Revelation 1:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/1-1.htm">Revelation 1:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/1-1.htm">Revelation 1:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/1-1.htm">Revelation 1:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/1-1.htm">Revelation 1:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/1-1.htm">Revelation 1:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/1-1.htm">Revelation 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/1-1.htm">Revelation 1:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/1-1.htm">Revelation 1:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/1-1.htm">Revelation 1:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/1-1.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 1:1 This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev. Re Apocalypse)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jude/1-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jude 1:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jude 1:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/revelation/1-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revelation 1:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revelation 1:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>